iPhone SE (2020) vs Motorola Moto G14

iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$108.00

Versus A$529.00 new

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Motorola Moto G14
Motorola Moto G14
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$182.00

Versus A$271.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone SE 2020 and the Motorola Moto G14 are smartphones released in different years, offering distinct experiences based on their respective operating systems and hardware philosophies. The iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, runs on Apple's iOS, while the Motorola Moto G14, released in August 2023, operates on Android. These devices primarily differentiate themselves through their core performance capabilities, camera systems, and overall design approach, catering to users with varying preferences for software ecosystems and hardware features.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and repairability.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone SE 2020 was released in April 2020, making it an older device compared to the Motorola Moto G14, which launched in August 2023. This difference in release year impacts the expected duration of software updates and overall practical lifespan.
  • OS Support: The iPhone SE 2020 launched with iOS 13.4 and has received updates to subsequent iOS versions, including iOS 18.x as of 2025, indicating a strong commitment to long-term software support from Apple. The Motorola Moto G14 launched with Android 13 and is promised one major OS upgrade to Android 14.
  • Repairability: The iPhone SE 2020 received an iFixit repairability score of 6 out of 10, noted for its relatively straightforward access to common components like the battery and screen, partly due to its shared design with the iPhone 8. The Motorola Moto G14 has a repairability score of 5.0 out of 10, with adhesive used for the back cover and battery making disassembly more challenging.

Release year

2020

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily operations, from launching applications to multitasking and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2020 is equipped with a powerful processor that enables smooth handling of demanding applications and efficient multitasking. This allows for responsive navigation and capable performance in various tasks. The Motorola Moto G14 features an octa-core processor, which provides adequate performance for everyday tasks and a smooth Android 13 interface.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone SE 2020 generally experience fluid performance, even with multiple applications running simultaneously, due to its optimized software and hardware integration. The Moto G14, with its 4GB of RAM, handles typical usage well, though performance may slow down when many applications are open in the background.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone SE 2020 is available with internal storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The Motorola Moto G14 offers 128GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card slot.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2020 has a smaller battery capacity, which means heavy users may need to charge it more frequently. The Motorola Moto G14 features a larger battery, often providing sufficient power for a full day of use, and for lighter users, potentially extending to two days.

Memory (GB)

3 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and its quality significantly impacts the user experience.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The iPhone SE 2020 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, which is an IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 ppi. The Motorola Moto G14 comes with a larger 6.5-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD screen, offering a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a pixel density of 405 ppi.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2020's display offers a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, along with True Tone technology for adjusting white balance to ambient light. The Moto G14's display is generally considered bright and offers respectable sharpness and colors, suitable for outdoor viewing.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent visual experience for typical smartphone use.
  • Viewing Experience: The iPhone SE 2020's smaller screen size and traditional bezels offer a compact viewing experience, while the Moto G14's larger display and punch-hole design provide more screen real estate for media consumption.

Resolution

750 x 1334

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a key consideration for many users, influencing how they capture and share moments.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2020 is equipped with a single 12-megapixel wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. It leverages computational photography for features like Portrait mode and Smart HDR. The Motorola Moto G14 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and Quad Pixel technology, alongside a 2-megapixel macro lens.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone SE 2020 delivers strong image quality in various conditions, benefiting from its advanced image processing. The Moto G14's main camera performs well in optimal lighting conditions, capturing detailed and sharp daylight shots, but its low-light performance is less consistent.
  • Video Recording: The iPhone SE 2020 is capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, and 1080p slow-motion video. The Moto G14 records video at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second from both its front and rear cameras.
  • Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the iPhone SE 2020 has a 7-megapixel front camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of 1080p video at 30 fps. The Moto G14 features an 8-megapixel front camera.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity: The iPhone SE 2020 supports Gigabit LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, offering fast and reliable wireless connections. The Motorola Moto G14 supports 4G LTE (without 5G capability), Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Ports and Sensors: The iPhone SE 2020 uses a Lightning connector for charging and data transfer and features Touch ID for biometric authentication. It does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Moto G14 includes a USB-C port for charging and data, a side-mounted fingerprint reader, and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Build Materials and Durability: The iPhone SE 2020 features an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and durable glass on both the front and back, with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. The Moto G14 has a water-repellent design, often with a PMMA or vegan leather back, and an IP52 rating for splash resistance.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The iPhone SE 2020 is a compact device, measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighing 148g, making it easy for one-handed use. The Moto G14 is larger at 161.46 x 73.82 x 7.99 mm and weighs 177g, offering a larger screen in a still manageable form factor.

Weight

148 oz

177 oz

Screen size (in)

4.7

6.5

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

The iPhone SE 2020 and the Motorola Moto G14 cater to different user priorities, reflecting their distinct operating systems and design philosophies. Users often praise the iPhone SE 2020 for its robust performance, compact size, and the familiarity and security of its Touch ID sensor. Its long-term software support is also a frequently cited advantage. However, some users express concerns about its smaller battery capacity and the older design with larger bezels.

Conversely, the Motorola Moto G14 is frequently lauded for its large battery, providing extended usage, and its clean, near-stock Android experience. Its larger display and inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack are also positive points for many. Criticisms sometimes focus on its performance for very demanding tasks, the standard 60Hz refresh rate of its display, and its camera's performance in low-light conditions.

Users prioritizing a compact device with powerful processing for demanding applications, long-term software updates, and a familiar iOS ecosystem may find the iPhone SE 2020 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a larger display, extended battery life, expandable storage, and the flexibility of the Android operating system, particularly with a clean interface, might lean towards the Motorola Moto G14. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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